EPA Announces Approval of Tennessee’s Regional Haze Plan to Improve Visibility in Protected Areas
EPA Announces Approval of Tennessee’s Regional Haze Plan to Improve Visibility in Protected Areas
Contact: EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
ATLANTA (December 15, 2025) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency’s approval of Tennessee’s Second Planning Period Regional Haze Plan after determining the state has met all statutory and regulatory requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Regional Haze Rule (RHR). Through the implementation of the plan, visibility will be improved in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock National Wilderness Area and other protected areas in neighboring states affected by air emissions from Tennessee.
“EPA and Tennessee worked together on this plan, and this final action is an example of the environmental wins EPA and states are achieving through cooperative federalism,” said EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. “When agencies work together, we get great outcomes, such as this practical approach to the CAA that ensures clean air for all and gives states the flexibility they need to respond to their communities’ unique needs.”
“I am thankful for the work put in by our state environmental partners and EPA to protect the views and air quality of the Great Smoky Mountains,” said Tennessee Senator Steve Southerland.
“Tennessee’s regional haze plan meets all Clean Air Act requirements, and we appreciate EPA’s approval,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers. “Tennessee is – and will continue to be – a great place to live, work, and raise a family because of our commitment to maintaining clean air for our citizens.”
In approving this plan, EPA affirms that Tennessee is ahead of its timeline to improve visibility conditions. With this action, EPA and Tennessee document the projected reduction in emissions of sulfur dioxide by 87% and nitrogen oxide by 61% between 2011 and 2028.
Earlier this year, EPA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), for the third planning period of the regional haze plan, to solicit information from the public to assist in the development of regulatory changes on the implementation and structure of the RHR. The agency is reviewing implementation of the program to ensure it aligns with Congressional intent, is based on current scientific information and reflects recent improvements in air quality. The ANPRM will not impose any requirements but reflects EPA’s commitment to cooperative federalism—pillar three of the Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
Background
The CAA and the RHR call for states to work with EPA to develop and implement air quality protection plans to reduce pollution contributing to visibility impairment in 156 national parks and wilderness areas. Each state is required to submit a long-term strategy for making reasonable progress toward remedying any existing and preventing any future human-made visibility impairments in protected areas.
###